Welcome, new guy!
seamusg said:
The BC92XLT will not track a trunked system. You need a scanner that will track a Motorola type II system.
Let's be clear here for our new friend's benefit. The Edmond radio system is on the so-called 800 MHz band, actually up around 850-860 MHz. The BC92XLT is a good radio and *will* pick up those frequencies HOWEVER ... The Edmond system (like OKC, Norman, Shawnee, Tulsa and the state Dept of Public Safety) is trunked radio system.
When the push-to-talk button on a trunked radio is pushed, it asks the system's site controller for an available channel. All the radios in that radios groups are then instantly switched to that channel and everyone hears the message. However, the next time the user talks, they may get a *different* frequency. A trunktracking scanner follows that same data stream (on the "control channel") and follows the conversation.
You *can* listen to the system on a non-trunktracking scanner but it will be frustrating, because the conversation will likely jump from channel to channel and YOU have to play the role of computer and switch channels.
So the complete answer is "yes, the BC92XLT will work but you won't be happy about it."
The Uniden line has two entry-level trunked scanners, the already mentioned BC246T and the SC230. The problem is that they cost about twice what the BC92XLT costs.
Another option is a used radio. Uniden has been making handheld (assuming you want handheld) trunktracking scanners for several years and there are several models available used. See a list here:
http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Uniden_Scanners#Handheld_Scanners
Unfortunately, the usefulness of most older trunktracking radios is time-limited because of something called rebanding which will change how frequencies are laid out on the trunked systems themselves. This means that older radios (and even some newer ones) will no longer be able to track trunking systems like Edmonds (which are made by Motorola) after rebanding is complete. That will probably be some time in the next 12 - 18 months.
Let us know what you think and welcome to the hobby!
